Category Archives: CULTURE

Great New Music Expectations

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New releases – they make my world go round (not to mention the entertainment industry as well). I’m constantly keeping track of dates of what’s about to come out – whether it’s the next Paul Thomas Anderson movie, the premiere of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, or the upcoming designer collab with H&M. While a new release is thrilling, despite my excitement for whatever it is, you will never find me waiting in line for hours, or elbowing girls in the mall for that last Balmain sweater. However, there is one type of release I can pre-order from the comfort of my home, so even if I forget it’s coming out, I’m one of the first (of many) to experience the novelty. I speak of new music, my friends, sweet sweet new tunez.  Continue reading

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Fall Reading List

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Autumn has arrived – in all its chunky knits and pumpkin spiced latté glory. Praise be the season of crispness, I no longer must arrive at any given destination a perspiring disaster! Hallelujah! Fall has always been my absolute favourite season. I just love the feeling that arrives once summer has come to an end (for the most part – I will miss patio season and do not welcome the ghoulish pallor my skin will soon take on). To me autumn ushers in an abundance of soup (#1 food), strolls on cool nights, and new beginnings. Despite my school days being long behind me, that spark of productivity is still present every September. The benefit of that lingering feeling being there, but not actually being an enrolled student? You can add whatever you want to your ‘to-do’ list and complete it at your own pace. No grades. No deadlines. No crotchety profs breathing down your neck. The first thing I must begin to tackle using the motivation sprung from my phantom academic limb is the fresh pile of books I’ve added to my shelf.  Continue reading

Stuck In My Head Pt.1

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I don’t consider myself a particularly unfocused individual, but when it comes to my taste in music – I’m easily swayed and suffer (though the affliction is a positive one) from mild TADD (Tunez Attention Deficit Disorder). While I am convicted in stance as to what I like and dislike, the genre and vibe can change at any given moment. Sometimes I’m a pretentious asshole and presume I won’t be *into* a catchy pop tune, but next thing you know – I’m boppin’ along to Selena with the best of them and this top 40 hit has become my anthem. Other times I think I’m *over* electronic dancey beats – but sure enough, an interesting synth or drum sample makes its way into a DJ’s latest track and I’m hooked all over again. It’s probably best to approach music with a sense of fluidity – this way you experience new sounds and are privy to a wide range of ear candy. Here’s a playlist of what I currently cannot stop listening to.  Continue reading

Girl Band Hopeful

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My sweet mother is constantly calling me out for not having a hobby. “I like fashion, reading, movies, TV, music, *blogging*, eating ‘n cooking, exercising, partying, and doodling! Doesn’t that count?!” I retort with the exasperated angst of my teenage glory. In a way, I guess she is kind of right. I suppose a true hobby is something that lies outside the realm of just plain interests, something that you put your precious time into, and something that you are constantly learning, growing with, and improving on. At the beginning of the summer I hoped to pick up a new hobby, and ladies and gentleman – I have finally landed on a winner – I’m going to learn electric guitar and it’s all thanks to the inspiration that my favourite girl bands have provided me. Continue reading

An Ode To Spooky Tunez

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Since a young age I’ve had a strong affinity towards spooky music. I can remember being around the age of 4 or 5, and lying on the floor of my grandmother’s living room, listening to the creepiest children’s song ever – Skin and Bones by Raffi. I absolutely loved it. From my position on the carpet I would make ghostly movements with my fingers and arms, and thoroughly creep myself out listening to the lyrics that described graveyards and bones laying around – but it made no difference – I’d ask to have the song played again, absolutely delighted. Recently I was at a music festival enjoying some of said spooky music when a friend, less enthralled by the glory that is this genre, skeptically (though gently) asked what this type of music was called. Of course I turned to the ever wonderful *spooky* adjective, going on to paint a fuller picture of the sounds we were experiencing by tying in haunted house and Blair Witch imagery. I’m not sure my explanation was very convincing, but it certainly sent chills up my spine. In my mind – the more goosebumps, the better. Here’s a playlist of some of my very favourite spooky tunez.  Continue reading

Whassin My Bag?

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After spending a few summers cramming as many music festivals as my wallet/calendar permits, I think I’ve learned a thing or two. This isn’t my first rodeo, as they say in the Wild West. For starters, it pays to make friends with those around you – they may offer to save your spot while you dart to the port-o-potty or give you a boost on their shoulders if you happen to be vertically challenged (such as myself). Also, do not make the mistake of wearing flimsy or uncomfortable shoes – you’re going to be dancing around like a maniac, people stepping on your feet, and may have to deal with a muddy terrain. Don’t be one of the cursed few whose poor sandal gets left behind in a puddle of mud – a Cinderella situation is unlikely to result. Finally, do not go in with the misconception that your brassiere is a safe place to hide things – security is going to grope and snap it whether you’re warned or not – so not worth it. Perfecting the packing of your bag for the day is also of great importance – here’s a list of must-brings to get you through any festival day – come hell or high water.  Continue reading

Dream Tunez: Hillside Edition

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Despite an affinity for fresh produce, the outdoors, and the fashion and music of the 60’s, I have never considered myself a hippie. Patchouli, bare feet, and communal livin’ just ain’t for me. The drum circles at the park tend to irritate me, and I have no desire to grab a tambourine and dance to the rhythm of Mother Earth’s movement. However, after living in the beautiful city of Guelph for 4 years, my heart has opened up to a simpler type of living. Particularly when that life includes the wonderful music festival that is Hillside.  Continue reading

Dance Floor Diaries

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It is officially that time in my life when friends have paired off with their one true loves, and are tying the knot. A very exciting time for any single, 27 year old female. But really, I’m thrilled for these pals, sincerely wish them a lifetime of happiness, and could not be more eager to celebrate their love! The last time I was a guest at a wedding I was just a young’en, sporting a poofy dress, and running around the dance floor like an absolute hooligan. The only things I anticipate being different now that I’m older is the lack of poof to my dress and access to the bar, which no doubt will mean the running around the dance floor like a hooligan part will stay exactly the same (if not on an amplified level). Here’s a playlist of my absolute favourite dance floor jams – making a fool myself a 100% guarantee.  Continue reading

Summer Reading List Pt. 1

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Apart from music festivals, pitchers of sangria, and my never-ending desire for new sandals, books are by far my biggest summer expenditure. The splurge tends to happen before heading up to my cottage in Algonquin Park (tower of magazines in tow, as well). Up North there is no electricity, meaning I go for days at a time sans texting, Instagram, Netflix, Facebook etc. Not only is it a great chance to unplug and unwind, but the opportunity arises to sit by the lake all day and devour an entire pile of books on my must-read list (as well as devour a pile of cheese and crackers, and not to mention my Scrabble opponents – cottage life is where it’s at yo). Sadly this summer I am missing the grand exodus to the great North, and will be city-bound for the season. No matter, my pile of new books just arrived from Amazon, and I’m ready to dive in – so without further ado  – I present to you Part 1 of my Summer Reading List.  Continue reading

Pride with a Capital P

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As we embark on a weekend in our fair city, Toronto, that is dedicated to celebrating Pride and its community, there is extra cause for euphoria, as our southern neighbours (better known as Murica) have added a gleaming point of Pride to their history. Continue reading